Exclusive | Inside the West Village longevity clinic that caters to celebrities and royalty — and is launching a $250K annual membership

Meet Dr. Jonathann Kuo: The New Face of Biohacking and Longevity Medicine

Dr. Jonathann Kuo is the founder of Extension Health, a cutting-edge longevity clinic located in Manhattan. This clinic specializes in high-end, age-defying therapies that cater to a variety of clients, including biohackers, CEOs, celebrities, athletes, and even royalty. Dr. Kuo, who is 46 years old, transitioned from running a pain management clinic called Hudson Health to focusing on regenerative medicine after experiencing personal health challenges in his late 30s. He describes himself as having been overweight, pre-diabetic, and struggling with brain fog and low energy. This personal journey led him to explore biohacking and develop a comprehensive plan to improve his own health. Today, Dr. Kuo is a trim, vibrant advocate for his methods, and his clinic has become a go-to destination for those seeking advanced therapies to combat aging and optimize their health.

Dr. Kuo’s journey into biohacking began about six years ago, when he traveled the world, consulted with other doctors, and tested novel technologies to devise a personalized plan for himself. His transformations were dramatic, and he now practices what he preaches at Extension Health. The clinic, located at 160 7th Ave S in the West Village, officially rebranded last summer as a rejuvenation destination. Dr. Kuo proudly states that there’s no other place in New York City—or even the world—that offers such a wide range of the latest therapeutics. He aims to make these advanced treatments accessible to as many people as possible, with plans to introduce a $250,000 annual membership covering the most advanced testing and therapeutics available. For those with more modest budgets, two “affordable” tiers starting around $10,000 a year will soon be introduced. Currently, services are available à la carte, with prices ranging from a few hundred to tens of thousands of dollars.

The Clients: From Chronic Illness to Biohackers and Celebrities

Extension Health’s client base is diverse, but Dr. Kuo identifies two main types of patients. The first group consists of individuals with chronic illnesses, such as Lyme disease or long-term mold exposure, who have been failed by the traditional medical system. These patients often turn to Dr. Kuo as a last resort, seeking alternative solutions to their persistent health issues. The second group is made up of biohackers, millennial celebrities, and mid-life CEOs who are looking to reboot their bodies and stay ahead of the curve in terms of health and longevity. Some of Dr. Kuo’s notable clients include multi-hyphenate La La Anthony, filmmaker Justin Baldoni, Tesla director Kimbal Musk, and football legend Troy Aikman. Many of these clients are already very healthy but are driven by a desire to explore the latest advancements in anti-aging and regenerative medicine.

The clinic’s West Village location is both cozy and plush, featuring a lush wall of greenery that symbolizes growth and vitality. This welcoming environment attracts a wide range of patients, from those seeking relief from chronic illnesses to individuals who are proactively managing their health. Dr. Kuo emphasizes that his approach is not just about treating illnesses but also about optimizing health for those who are already thriving. For example, some of his clients are healthy 50- or 60-year-olds who are simply curious about what’s next in terms of maintaining their vitality and extending their lifespan.

The Science Behind Extension Health: Advanced Diagnostics and Therapies

New patients at Extension Health begin with a thorough evaluation, which includes a consultation starting at $400. Dr. Kuo notes that many of his clients complain about issues such as anxiety, sleep disorders, brain fog, and low energy—problems that traditional medicine often struggles to address effectively. To tackle these issues, Dr. Kuo has developed a range of protocols, peptide therapies, and procedures that target the root causes of these conditions. While the FDA has not approved any drugs specifically for treating aging (as the agency does not consider aging a disease), doctors like Dr. Kuo can prescribe medications “off-label” for anti-aging purposes.

Dr. Kuo focuses on optimizing three key areas of bodily function: metabolism, hormones, and inflammation. His $999 comprehensive diagnostic package includes a range of tests, such as a DEXA scan for body composition and bone density, a VO2 max test for cardiovascular fitness, a 3D postural alignment scan, a resting metabolic rate test, and bloodwork to assess biomarkers, hormone levels, inflammation, and metabolic markers. A basic diagnostic package without bloodwork is also available for $699. While insurance may cover some lab work, most of the advanced treatments and consultations are paid out of pocket. Dr. Kuo believes that this comprehensive approach provides a solid foundation for creating personalized health plans tailored to each patient’s needs.

Leveling Up: From Basics to Advanced Therapies

Dr. Kuo’s approach to health optimization is structured in three levels. At the most basic level, he emphasizes the importance of diet, sleep, and exercise as the fundamental pillars of health. Without these foundational elements in place, he believes that more advanced therapies will have limited success. At the next level, Dr. Kuo incorporates peptides, supplements, and medications to target specific health issues. Peptides, which are short chains of amino acids that influence cellular function, are particularly popular in anti-aging treatments. They can help reduce wrinkles, protect the skin from environmental stressors, and act as antioxidants. Depending on the specific goals of the patient, peptides can be administered via injections, pills, or topical creams. Some patients, like retired hairdresser Craig Linsley, have found that peptides help manage chronic conditions such as arthritis. Linsley, who has been a patient of Dr. Kuo for over a decade, takes three peptides annually at a cost of around $5,000 and reports feeling stronger and more sturdy as a result.

For those seeking more advanced treatments, Dr. Kuo offers Level 3 therapies, which include gene therapy, plasmapheresis (a process that involves removing, treating, and returning blood plasma to the body), and autonomic nervous system resets. One of Dr. Kuo’s signature treatments is the “neuro reset,” a 10-minute procedure designed to recalibrate the body’s fight-or-flight response. This treatment involves injecting a local anesthetic into nerves in the neck to block signals to the brain’s fear center and injecting fluid around the vagus nerve to promote relaxation. The neuro reset is priced at $1,500, or $2,000 when combined with ketamine therapy. Dr. Kuo has performed thousands of these procedures, and his clients include heads of state and members of royal families who travel to New York specifically for this treatment.

The Future of Longevity: Expanding Access and Exploring New Frontiers

Dr. Kuo is not just focused on treating patients; he is also committed to pushing the boundaries of longevity medicine. In addition to launching membership packages, he is exploring the possibility of creating an online platform for longevity medications, such as metformin and rapamycin. While rapamycin, an immunosuppressant, has been controversial in the anti-aging community (even biohacking buff Bryan Johnson has stopped using it), Dr. Kuo has been taking it for nearly a decade and swears by its benefits. He collaborates closely with Johnson and other longevity enthusiasts, constantly seeking out new drugs and approaches to improve human health.

As the lead “guinea pig” at Extension Health, Dr. Kuo is always testing new treatments and sharing his findings with his clients. For example, he is soon set to test a blood filtration treatment in the clinic. He also maintains an active group chat with 200 longevity doctors from across the U.S., brainstorming ideas and vetting new therapies to ensure that only the most effective and safe treatments make it to his clients. By combining cutting-edge science with a patient-centered approach, Dr. Kuo is helping to redefine what it means to live a long, healthy, and vibrant life.

Conclusion: The Growing Appeal of Biohacking and Longevity Medicine

Dr. Jonathann Kuo and Extension Health represent the cutting edge of biohacking and longevity medicine. Whether you’re struggling with chronic illness or simply looking to optimize your health, Dr. Kuo’s clinic offers a wide range of advanced therapies tailored to individual needs. From peptides and neuro resets to comprehensive diagnostic packages, Extension Health is at the forefront of the movement to redefine aging and extend human lifespan. With plans to expand access through membership packages and online platforms, Dr. Kuo is making these therapies more accessible than ever before. For those willing to invest in their health, the possibilities are endless—a testament to the power of innovation and personalized medicine.